Let us take you now, right to the bottom of Africa’s continent, the stunning and versatile South Africa. A country that is full of variety and fabulous wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as city escapes and scenic drives. Luxury South African safaris vary hugely in style, landscape, and game species. The Republic of South Africa is made up of nine provinces which are all completely distinctive to their regions. South Africa is seriously easy to get to from London and New York and luxury South Africa holidays can be made up of Cape Town and the famous Garden Route, followed by a safari in the Kruger, then following that an escape to the Indian Ocean to the likes of Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.

Located on the furthest southern tip of Africa and is probably Africa’s most famous country especially when it comes to a luxury safari destination. It has been rated as sixth most diverse country in the world, from the numerous hippos in the Limpopo River, to the penguins on the Cape. South Africa is a photographer’s paradise with the Kalahari’s wildflowers, Table Mountain with its misty cloth, and the wildlife you can encounter in the Kruger National Park or Madikwe. Here at TLSC we will always suggest you stay in one of the outside private concessions in the Sabi Sands, or Timbavati areas of the Kruger, not only will you be treated like royalty, you will barely see another soul BUT you will see the majority of the big five! Places we would recommend you stay in these private concessions around would be Chitwa Chitwa, Tanda Tula, Dulini Moya or Riverlodge and if you really want the creme de la creme of properties, then look no further than Singita Boulders.

The wetlands of the Kwa Zulu Natal have five distinct ecosystems encouraging and attracting both zebra and dolphins – yes, we said dolphins! If you’re looking for a city escape, the Cape Town tips the scales. It offers a sophisticated attractions from theatres, fabulous restaurants with some of the best food globally, shops and if your so inclined, night clubs! The country of South Africa has eleven official languages – Afrikaans (originating from Dutch) and it is also a hugely diverse country when it comes to ethnicity as well.

(The Silo – one the top hotels to stay at in Cape Town)

South Africa’s interior is dry and sparse, with the Karoo providing stark contrast to the lush and well-watered east coastline which has a similar climate to the tropics. To the North of Johannesburg, the altitude drops and turns the bush into lower lying bushveld, an area of forest and abundant wildlife. The hugely varying climatic zones provide contrasting landscapes and topography, which makes South Africa a dream destination for two of three trips.

If you head down to the Southwest of South Africa the climate changes to something more akin of the Mediterranean. Here you will find the famous winelands of South Africa, as the climate, with its wet winters and dry summers, are perfect for vines. The Drakensberg mountains of the Southeast, would you believe it, offer skiing! The Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Timbavati.

(The beautiful wine lands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek)

Madikwe and/or Tswalu Private Game Reserve are two more locations which people rarely know or even think about – two of South Africa’s secret locations! Both locations offer exquisite game viewing. At Tswalu you will have the opportunity to meet the resident habituated meerkats, always a treat to any safari. When thinking about combining safaris together, and considering the current climate, we would recommend staying within one country for ease of travel and expense as well.

(the cheeky habituated Meerkats of Tswalu)

If you are seeking some time by the beach post or pre safari, Mozambique is an incredibly easy destination to reach from South Africa, with regular flights from Nielspruit, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The soft white sands of the Indian Ocean are a truly welcome sight after the bush where you can have a proper time to relax and unwind before heading back to reality.

South Africa offers numerous options and a never-ending list of wonderful activities to embark on (you can even do riding safaris too in some locations), it is exceptional value for money, with wonderful people, diverse ecosystems, superb wildlife sightings both inland, in the bush and on the coast. The food is also some of the best you can find throughout the whole of Africa. If you would like to see what we can pull together for your holiday to South Africa, then do send through an email or give us a call, we would love to start planning!